Synagogue features

Question 1

The ark

Answer 1

(Aron Hakodesh) - Most important place in the synagogue - opened to reveal the scrolls and everyone stands to show respect and chant the words Moses is reported to have said when setting out with the original ark.

Question 2

Ner Tamid

Answer 2

Eternal lamp - kept continuously burning - symbolizes the menorah.

Symbol of God’s eternal presence

Question 3

The Bimah

Answer 3

Central platform - stands the desk from ehich the Torah scrolls are read.

Orthodox synagogues usually have the Bimah in the middle so the rabbi faces the congregation.

Reform synagogues usually have the Bimah at the front.

Question 4

The Torah scrolls

Answer 4

Most scared part of any synagogue

Made from animal skin and are handwritten

The scrolls are wrapped in velvet or silk when not being use and often decorated with silver.

Such a handwritten scroll is refer to as the Sefer Torah.

Weekly portion of the text is read.

Question 5

The Ten Commandments

Answer 5

613 Mitzvot - God gave 10 of them to Moses inscribed on two tablets of stone.

They are clearly mounted in synagogues

Reminds worshipers of their duty

Often written in Hebrew

Question 6

Seating

Answer 6

Seating for women is one of the main differences between orthodox and reform synagogues.

Orthodox synagogues have a separate area for women - upper floor balcony. Separated by walls or curtains.

The Talmud says women can concentrate more if they are separated

Orthodox and reform Judaism have different practices

In reform synagogues there is no partition

Question 7

Yad

Answer 7

The pointer for reading the Torah